BC Authorizes Police to Issue $2K Fine for Price Gouging, Reselling Medical Supplies

A man wearing a protective face mask walks past the emergency department of the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, B.C., on April 3, 2020. The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward

British Columbia has authorized the provincial police and other law enforcement officers to issue $2,000 fines to those engaged in price gouging and the reselling of essential medical supplies and personal protection equipment.

B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announced the measure on April 19 in response to the growing number of public complaints made to Consumer Protection B.C. amid the COVID-19 pandemic.